So many of us are living with stress, anxiety and fear, struggling to cope with the demands of our jobs, our families, our financial situation, our own perceived limitations.
Whereas the stress response is a very natural and useful development of evolution, providing the physical and mental boost we need for 'fight or flight', constant stress is very debilitating; it is very bad for us. Hypnotherapy is a powerful tool to help to control and regulate the body systems that cause us so many, often serious, physical, mental and emotional symptoms. Therapy can also help us to set goals to change our lifestyle in a realistic and sensible way.
Dr Joy Borkin has spent some years researching the body's response to stress:
A constantly over-stimulated endocrine system makes the body produce Stress hormones such as cortisol and norepinephrine that are released at periods of high stress. The hormone regulating system is known as the endocrine system. (The Endocrine System regulates the body's major processes: reproduction, growth and development, cellular metabolism and energy, blood balance of nutrients, electrolytes and water and the mobilisation of body defense against stressors that cause wear and tear on the body's physical and mental resources. Cortisol is believed to affect the metabolic system and norepinephrine is believed to play a role in ADHD as well as depression and hypertension.)
Hormones are a powerful influence over all physical, intellectual and emotional behavior. Problems with weight, memory, sleep, digestion (including IBS), blood pressure, high cholesterol, cravings, addictions, sexual dysfunction, and especially problems associated with the immune system, are all influenced by the Endocrine system. Endocrine problems lead to a wide spectrum of health issues, which in most cases can be alleviated by relieving the stress that over-stimulated the system. Hypnotherapy is a powerful tool in addressing and relieving the 'modern disease' of excess stress and its effects on the body.
The first stage (adrenal adaptation) begins when the adrenals attempt to increase production of the stress hormones. The adrenals enlarge and increase their output. The following are some of the symptoms of this phase: digestive problems, inability to calm down, increased serum cholesterol, severe weight gain or loss, prostatitis, menstrual problems, sleep disturbances, diarrhea, decrease in sexual arousal.
The second stage (adrenal maladaption) begins the reduction in the adrenal glands production and all the functions of the endocrine system begin to slow down. The following are some of the systems of this phase: chronic fatigue syndrome, loss of libido, impotence, bloating and fluid retention, constipation, male or female hair loss, bone loss, increased urination, low back or sciatic pain.
The third stage (adrenal exhaustion) is the final phase before adrenal failure-when all the systems fail and life is threatened. The following are some of the symptoms of this phase: fibromyalgia, chronic nonspecific pain, heart arrhythmia, severe constipation, panic attacks or anxiety, bile reflux and digestive problems, depression and mental frustration, memory loss, inability to think, inflammation, joint pain.
Medical references: my thanks to Dr Joy Borkin 'Endocrine System, Stress 101'
copyright 2008
Treatment for Stress, Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Fear
Through the process of very deep relaxation, your mind becomes receptive to positive suggestion. This means that I can 're-educate' your subconscious mind to new ways of perceiving and responding to the stimuli that cause problematic responses. Your subconscious always acts in your best interests, to protect you. However, the way it protects you, which may have been helpful at one time, is inappropriate to your current situation. For example, the 'fight or flight' adrenaline response is helpful if you are being chased by muggers, but not if you are taking a difficult telephone call in your office.
Hypnotherapy modifies our response to stress. It can prevent us experiencing endocrine disfunction in the first place or, if we are already experiencing serious symptoms as a result of long-term stress, a course of treatment will alleviate and ultimately resolve the inappropriate responses of our over-protective subconscious mind.
Positive suggestions will enable you to respond more healthily to stress stimuli, and I will teach you how to achieve a state of deep relaxation, as well as practical relaxation techniques you can use in your day-to-day life at home or at work.
